Positions in Ice Hockey

Except
when a player or players have been sent to the penalty box and are
playing shorthanded, each hockey team has six players on the ice at all
times. There are three main positions in hockey: goalies, forwards and
defensemen.

Forwards

The
forwards play in a 3-person line comprised of a left wing, center, and
a right wing. They are responsible for the majority of goals, but also
play defense when the opposing team is in their end of the ice.

Defense

The
two defensive players play behind the forwards on either side and are
responsible for helping defend the goal. The defensive players,
however, can still assist on goals or score themselves.

Goaltender/Goalie

The
goalie defends the goal and rarely leaves the net, except near the end
of the game when his or her team is losing and is replaced by an
offensive player, leaving the net unguarded.